Page 24 of The Only Road Back

BETH

The smell of wildflowers and the sound of laughter ripple through the warm breeze. Every detail is perfect.

And this time, I’m not nervous.

I stand at the aisle’s end with soft white roses in my hands. Lori stands beside me and gives my arm a gentle squeeze.

“Ready?” she whispers.

I turn toward her, heart full. “Yeah. I really am.”

She grins. “Good. Because if you try to run this time, I’m tackling you.”

I laugh and shake my head. “Not a chance.”

My gaze travels down the aisle, and my breath catches as I lock eyes with Jack.

He waits at the altar, devastatingly handsome in his simple gray suit, dark hair slightly tousled, green eyes fixed on mine with an intensity that quickens my pulse. He looks like he’s barely restraining himself from rushing down the aisle to reach me.

And God, I love him for it.

The music swells, and everyone falls silent as I take my first step forward.

This time, without hesitation. Without doubt.

I walk toward him with steady steps, our connection unbroken. Each step is a promise—a vow.

I choose you.

I choose us.

Forever.

Jack’s jaw tightens. His fingers curl at his sides as if fighting the urge to reach for me. Henry smirks beside him, probably murmuring something about keeping his composure.

But Jack doesn’t look away. Not for a second.

When I finally reach him, he exhales softly. His shoulders relax as he takes my hands.

“You’re breathtaking,” he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion.

I smile and squeeze his fingers. “So are you.”

The officiant clears his throat, warmth in his eyes as he looks between us. “I think we all know these two are eager to get this done.” Quiet laughter ripples through our guests. “So, let’s not keep them waiting.”

Jack chuckles. “Damn right.”

The ceremony unfolds simply, just as we wanted. No grand speeches or elaborate traditions—just us, surrounded by people who truly love and support us.

Lori remains next to me, eyes glistening. Henry gives Jack a firm nod, his version of an emotional display. Linda dabs at her eyes with a tissue. Robert watches with quiet approval.

And my family?

They’re not here.

I didn’t invite them—not out of pettiness, not to prove a point, but because they don’t deserve to witness this.

This is my fresh start. I refuse to let their shadows darken it.

Jack squeezes my hands and grounds me. He brings me back to this moment.

I inhale deeply and look up at him as the officiant announces it’s time for our vows.

Jack goes first.

He clears his throat. His grip tightens around my hands.

“Beth, before you, my life was simple. I had my garage, my routines, my quiet little world. And I thought I was happy.” He swallows hard, green eyes burning into mine.

“But then you walked into my life, and everything changed. You showed me that love isn’t just about finding someone to share your days with.

It’s about finding someone who makes every day worth living. ”

A tear slips down my cheek. Jack lifts a hand and gently brushes it away.

“I promise to love you with everything I have. To stand by your side through every challenge, to celebrate every victory, to hold you when the world feels too heavy.” His voice thickens.

“I promise to remind you every day how incredible you are, how strong, how kind, how beautiful.” He exhales shakily.

“And I promise that no matter what happens or where life takes us, I will always choose you.”

The world blurs. It’s just him—just Jack.

I breathe deeply and steady myself. Then it’s my turn.

“Jack.” My voice trembles slightly. “I spent so much of my life trying to be who everyone else wanted. I followed the rules, did what was expected, thinking that was enough. But it wasn’t. I wasn’t really living.” I squeeze his hands. My throat tightens. “And then I met you.”

Jack presses his lips together. His jaw flexes as he holds himself together.

“You showed me what it means to be truly seen and loved. Without conditions or expectations. Just as I am.” Another tear falls, unnoticed.

“You are my home, Jack. My safe place. My greatest adventure. I swear to love you with all I am for as long as I live. I promise to stand beside you, support you, fight for us, no matter what comes.”

I sniffle. “And most of all, I promise that, just like you, I will always choose you.”

Jack exhales slowly, eyes shining. His grip tightens.

The officiant smiles. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Jack doesn’t wait. He cups my face and kisses me, deep and sure. His arms wrap around me like he’ll never let go.

I kiss him back and pour every ounce of love into it.

Because this is it.

This is forever.

The cheers and applause barely register as Jack lifts me off my feet, spins once, and sets me down. He presses his forehead to mine.

“You’re my wife,” he murmurs, his voice filled with wonder.

I smile, heart full. “And you’re my husband.”

Lori whoops from the side. “Finally!”

Henry smirks. “About damn time.”

Linda sobs joyfully and clutches Robert’s arm. “My boy is married!”

Jack chuckles. “Well, no turning back now.”

I grin and wrap my arms around his neck. “I wouldn’t want to, even if I could.”